OSHA FACTSHEET WORKPLACE EMERG - Seton Resource Center

Accounting for personnel following evacuation is
critical. A person in the control center should
notify police or emergency response team members
of persons believed missing.
Effective security procedures can prevent unauthorized
access and protect vital records and
equipment. Duplicate records of essential
accounting files, legal documents and lists of
employee relatives – to be notified in case of
emergency – can be kept at off-site locations.
Training
Every employee needs to know details of the
emergency action plan, including evacuation
plans, alarm systems, reporting procedures for
personnel, shutdown procedures, and types of
potential emergencies. Any special hazards, such
as flammable materials, toxic chemicals, radioactive
sources or water-reactive substances, should
be discussed with employees. Drills should be
held at random intervals, at least annually, and
should include outside police and fire authorities.
Training must be conducted at least annually and
when employees are hired or when their job
changes. Additional training is needed when new
equipment, materials or processes are introduced,
when the layout or design of the facility changes,
when procedures have been updated or revised,
or when exercises show that employee performance
is inadequate.
Personal Protection
Employees exposed to or near accidental chemical
splashes, falling objects, flying particles,
unknown atmospheres with inadequate oxygen or
toxic gases, fires, live electrical wiring, or similar
emergencies need appropriate personal protective
equipment.
Medical Assistance
First aid must be available within 3 to 4 minutes of
an emergency. Worksites more than 3 to 4 minutes
from an infirmary, clinic, or hospital should
have at least one person on-site trained in first aid
(available all shifts), have medical personnel readily
available for advice and consultation, and develop
written emergency medical procedures.
It is essential that first aid supplies are available to
the trained first aid providers, that emergency
phone numbers are placed in conspicuous places
near or on telephones, and prearranged ambulance
services for any emergency are available. It
may help to coordinate an emergency action plan
with the outsider responders such as the fire
department, hospital emergency room, EMS
providers and local HAZMAT teams.
Further Information
More detailed information on workplace emergencies
is provided in “How to Plan for Workplace
Emergencies and Evacuations” (OSHA 3088) available
free on OSHA’s website or from OSHA
Publications, Room N3101, 200 Constitution Ave.,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210, telephone 1-800-
321-OSHA, or local OSHA offices. Further information
is also available in OSHA’s Evacuation Plans
and Procedure eTool and Emergency
Preparedness and Response webpage
This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or
standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of
compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal
Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request.
The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.
Think Safety!
For more complete information:
U.S. Department of Labor
www.osha.gov
(800) 321-OSHA